Legislative Update - Donuts with Dan, New Laws, and Happy Holidays!

Dear Granite City Neighbors,

Before you head home for the holidays, I’m sharing one last newsletter so you can be the best-informed participant at your Ugly Christmas Sweater party.

Pre-Session Donuts with Dan

Just when you come down from the sugar rush of Christmas cookies and holiday treats, you can join me for some delicious donuts and quality conversations! I’ll be holding these office hours on Saturday, January 11, from 2-4pm, and we’ll be back at the St. Cloud Public Library. 

This is a great opportunity to touch base on the issues that matter most to you and your family, and make sure I hit the ground running when the 2025 Legislative Session begins the following week. 

If you’d like to stop by, RSVP with your name, address, and topic of interest to Rep.Dan.Wolgamott@house.mn.gov. I hope to see you there!

New Laws on January 1st

Even as we prepare for a new legislative biennium, the impact of our achievements from the last two years continues. Whether it’s banning “junk” fees, protecting renters, prohibiting the sale of deadly “binary triggers” on firearms, or implementing fair prices for concert tickets, there’s a whole host of commonsense measures that’ll now be the law of the land in 2025.

Fox 9 covered the upcoming new laws in a news piece you can watch here, and a comprehensive list of everything taking effect on January 1 can be found here. 

Minnesota’s Budget Forecast

Earlier this month, Minnesota Management and Budget reported an updated state budget forecast, showing a $3.7 billion surplus in the current biennium and a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming budget cycle. The budget outlook also showed the highest “Rainy Day” fund or budget reserve in state history, totaling $3.5 billion.

My top focus for the upcoming Legislative Session will be supporting workers and families, because that is the best way to strengthen our economy. The Legislature’s biggest responsibility is to pass a new state budget, and that work will begin after we receive an updated economic forecast in February.

What happens in Washington, D.C. next year will have a significant impact on our ability to invest in the people of Minnesota and meet their many needs. Imposing tariffs on Minnesota’s largest trading partners is expected to increase the cost of living for everyone.

To get anything done in a divided government, Democrats and Republicans will need to work together. I look forward to partnering with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a budget that delivers results for the people of St. Cloud.

Stay Connected

Regardless of whether you’re able to join me for donuts, always feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas you have on how to make St. Cloud and Minnesota better!

Now is the best time to touch base as I prepare to head back to St. Paul next month. As always, you can reach me at Rep.Dan.Wolgamott@house.mn.gov or 651-296-6612. I look forward to hearing from you!

See you next year!

I can’t believe this is our last update of the year! I want to thank you again for the incredible privilege of serving our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together in 2024, and excited for all that we’ll be able to do in 2025.

Wishing the blessings of the season to you and your family!

Sincerely,

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

District 14B